Device for connecting an agricultural implement, machine or the like to a tractor

ABSTRACT

On the rear end of a tractor a catch bar has its lower end pivotally mounted thereto and an alignment roller is mounted on the upper end of the catch bar. A coupling plate is mounted on the implement to be connected and an aligning hook is secured on the coupling plate to have an opening engagable with the catch bar alignment roller. The coupling plate is aligned with respect to the tractor by the engagement of the alignment roller with the hook and the catch bar is pivoted upwardly to a position whereby the coupling plate is locked to the tractor.

Unite States Patent [1 1 Geisthoff Nov. 12, 1974 I DEVICE FOR CONNECTINGAN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT, MACHINE OR THE LIKE TO A TRACTOR [75]Inventor: Hubert Geisthoff, Lohmar/Donrath.

Germany [73] Assignee: Jean Walterscheid Grn b H,

Lohmar/Rhineland, Germany [22] Filed: Sept. 28, 1973 [21] Appl. No.:401,863

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Sept. 29, 1972 Germany 2247903Feb. 20, I973 Germany 2308218 [52] US. Cl. 280/478 R, 180/14 R, 280/421[51] Int. Cl B60d 1/08 [58] Field of Search 280/478 R, 479 R; 180/ 14 R[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,074,50l I/I963 Lane et al7l80/I4 R Primary Examiner-Leo Friaglia Attorney, Agent, or FirmEdmund M..laskiewicz [57] ABSTRACT On the rear end of a tractor a catch bar hasits lower end pivotally mounted thereto and an alignment roller ismounted on the upper end of the catch bar. A coupling plate is mountedon the implement to be connected and an aligning hook is secured on thecoupling plate to have an opening engagable with the catch bar alignmentroller. The coupling plate is aligned with respect to the tractor by theengagement of the alignment roller with the hook and the catch bar ispivoted upwardly to a position whereby the coupling plate is locked tothe tractor.

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PATENTEBNQY 12 m4 3.84TL415 SHEET a BF 9 PATENTEDNUV 12 I974 SHEET 7 BF9 DEVICE FOR CONNECTING AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT, MACHINE OR THE LIKETO A TRACTOR It is known to operatively connect an agricultural machineor the like to a tractor by means of the so-called three point hitchdevice. The several guide bars and rods in this hitch device impairaccessibility to the space between the tractor and the traction bar orhitch pole of the agricultural machine or trailer. The presence of theguide bars also renders it difficult to engage the drive transmissionshaft on the machine with the power take-off shaft on the tractor.Further, the presence of detachable or loose guide bars in a ratherlimited space presents constant dangers to any personnel in theimmediate vicinity of the hitch device and the risk of accident isalways present.

It has been proposed to provide a three point hitch on a tractor whichessentially comprises a triangular frame which cooperates with anotherframe structure mounted on the implement or machine to be connected tothe tractor. This type of coupling has the disadvantage that thetriangular frame interferes when it is desired to connect a trailer orthe like to the tractor by means of a traction bar, jaw or the like.

It has also been proposed to connect trailer machines or implements,which are relatively heavy, to the lower guide bars of the-liftingdevice on the tractor such that one end of the machine is attached tothe guide bar and the other end is supported by wheels. However, in thisstructure also it is difficult to achieve an operative joint between thedrive transmission shaft of the machine and the power take-off shaft ofthe tractor unless a transmission shaft is provided which has universaljoints therein and is a component of the three point hitch device. Theseconnection difficulties generally arise from the lateral and upwardmovement necessary for proper alignment of the drive shafts in orderthat they may be coupled. It is necessary for the operator to make amanual connection between the transmission shaft which is a part of themachine or implement and the drive shaft of the tractor. Further, thismanual connection must be made under confined and restricted conditions.In all such arrangements it is further necessary to perform manually anadditional operation to lock the connection. As far as known, noautomatic coupling devices are available for traction jaw opera tion ofagricultural machinery. Where hydraulic, electric and pneumaticconnections must be made between the tractor and the machine suchconnections must be performed manually.

It is therefore the principal object of the present invention to providea novel and improved device for automatically connecting a machine,implement or the like to a tractor vehicle without requiring the driveror attendant of the machine to leave his seat or for the coupling or theuncoupling of the machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device forautomatically connecting a machine to a tractor wherein a powertransmission shaft on the machine is also automatically coupled to thepower take-off shaft of the tractor.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such aconnecting device between a machine and a tractor wherein the connectionoperation can be achieved safely and with a minimum of danger by notrequiring any personnel to enter the space between the tractor and themachine.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide such anautomatic device between a tractor and a machine which can be used inconjunction with or in combination with existing hitch devicesparticularly on agricultural machinery.

According to one aspect of the present invention the connection devicemay comprise a catch bar having its lower end pivotally mounted on thetractor vehicle, or on the machine, and an alignment roller isjournalled on the upper end of the catch bar. The other of the machineor the tractor vehicle is provided with a coupling plate upon which ismounted at least one alignment hook whose opening is adapted toengagewith the alignment roller on the catch bar. There is also providedat least one locking hook, stop bolt or locking means to connect thecoupling plate with respect to the tractor vehicle upon completion ofthe coupling operation.

An advantage of the present inventionis that both or one of the tractorand the machine can be provided with conventional or known connecting orcoupling units. Such coupling units may comprise an arrangement forcomplete suspension of an agricultural implement as well as for theconnection of implements provided with power transmission shafts.Further, the present invention also pennits the use of flangeconnections of accessories such as winches, pumps or the like. The hitchdevice may also be used with the conventional three point hitch whichprovides two lower and one upper guide bars on the tractor. With thethree point hitch, the coupling plate of, the present invention canparticipate in the coupling of a machine including the alignment andconnection of the transmissiondrive shaft.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentupon reference to the accompanying description when taken in conjunctionwith the following drawings, which are exemplary, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view of the rear of a tractor, indicateddiagrammatically only, provided with the connecting device according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front end of a machine provided witha coupling plate according to the present invention and also providedwith a power transmission shaft;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view looking toward the rear FIG. 6 is asectional view similar to that of FIG. 5 but showing a modified catchbar;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a modification of the couplingplate according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the coupling plate of FIG. 7 with thedot-and-dash line showing the coupling plate and catch bar in theinitial or receiving position and the solid lines showing thecomponents-in the locked position;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the coupling plate of FIG. 7; FIG. 10is a front elevational view of a further modification of the couplingplate; I

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the catch bar and coupling plateof FIG. 10 with the coupling plate being shown in section.

Proceeding next to the drawings wherein like reference symbols indicatethe same parts throughout the various views a specific embodiment andmodifications of the present invention will be described in detail.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, a tractor 1 is provided with two spacedvertically extending mutually parallel perforated fixing bars 2. In thelower region of these fixing bars 2 the lower end of a catch bar 3,which consists of two mutually parallel links 4, is mounted for pivotalmovement by means of a shaft or bolt 8 defining an axis. The links 4carry at their upper end an alignment roller situated therebetween andtaking the form of a twin-cone roller 5 wherein the smallest diametersof the cones are directed toward each other so that the roller tapers inits central region 6. The two links 4 are mutually connected by means ofa bracing strut 9. The links 4 further comprise side or guide plateswhich provide lateral guidance for a coupling plate. On the tractor 1 oron the perforated bars 2 there are further arranged two locking hooks 11mutually connected by an intermediate or spacer element 12 and having acommon actuating bracket 13 which functions also to actuate the lockingelements 14 which are associated with the locking hooks 11. The tractor1 comprises a power take-off shaft having a quick-coupling or jointmember indicated at 7.

The links 4 are additionally interconnected by means of a bracing strut28. The hook mouth or jaw of the locking hooks 11 extends over thisstrut and secures the catch bar 3 in rest position.

A working machine 15, e.g., a manure spreader, which is to be attachedor coupled to the tractor 1 carries a coupling plate 16 provided with atraction jaw 17 engaged by means of a bolt 19 in a traction loop 18. Thecoupling plate 16 has welded thereon alignment hook 20. The couplingplate 16 is further provided with perforations 21 correspondingpositionally with the locking hooks 11. The coupling plate 16 also hasan opening 22 through which passes a joint member 24 of a powertransmission shaft 23. The joint member 24 is secured relative to thecoupling plate 16 in a bearing (concealed by the shield plate). Thecoupling plate 16 has two guide faces 25 for horizontal alignment of thecoupling plate 16 which co-operatewith the side plates 10 of the catcharm 3. Two stepped abutment faces 26 serve to assure vertical locking ofthe coupling plate 16 and cooperate with underfaces 27 of the sideplates 10.

FIG. 3 shows the coupling operation commencing by lifting the lockinghooks 11 by means of the actuating bracket 13. The hook jaw of the hooks11 will thus be moved out of range of the strut 28 so that the catch bar3 may be pivoted downwardly. The vehicle 1 and with it the catch bar 3are now moved in the direction towards the coupling plate 16 which isassociated with the working machine (not shown) to be attached. Thealignment roller 5 engages with the coupling plate 16 and on furtherapproach of the vehicle the roller 5 comes into the region of theopening 29 of the alignment hook 20. In view of the inwardly directedtaper of the alignment roller 5 the hook will line up to wards thistapered roller portion 6. Further approach of the vehicle 1 causes theplate 16 to be lifted. The side plates 10 will engage with the guidefaces 25 on the plate 16 to align the latter in the lateral direction.The locking hooks ll abut against the coupling plate 16 in the region ofthe perforations 21, where they are lifted, slide through theperforations 21 and subsequently drop into operative engagement as inFIG. 4. Furthermore, the lower edge 27 of the side plates 10 engageswith the stepped abutment faces 26 on the plate 16 and, in conjunctionwith the hook 20, maintains the plate 16 firmly in the vertical plane.The joint or coupling members of transmission shaft 23 and driving shaft7 also line up to face one another.

The strut 28 prevents the catch bar from dropping into operative orcatch position in the event that no working machine or trailer isattached to the tractor or like vehicle since the hook jaws of thelocking hooks extend over said strut. Thus, if the device is not inoperative position the locking hooks also serve to secure the catch barin inoperative or rest position.

According to another feature of this invention the catch bar and theretaining or holder means with their locking elements are fitted on twovertically extending, relatively spaced apart and parallel receiving orsupporting bars. These may, as the catch bar itself, provide an abutmentor engagement face for the shield plate.

In order to facilitate the coupling operation, particularly in the caseof drawn (rearwardly attached) working machines, a furthercharacteristic of this invention provides that a lever is connected tothe bearing axis of the catch arm, which lever is connected by means ofa further lever, a chain or a cable to a power drive unit, in particularto a lifting device associated with the vehicle or tractor.

FIG. 5 shows these coupling members in the coupled position. Thecoupling plate 16 is in contact with coupling plate abutment face 36 ofthe perforated fixing bars 2. The locking-hook 11 extends through theaperture 21 in the plate 16 and its hook jaw reaches behind the plate16. The strut 28 is likewise in the region of the hook jaw 30. Thelocking hook 11 is mounted on an axis 37 of the fixing bars 2. Thelocking hook 11 is provided with a guide lug 32 accommodating a lockingslide element 14 which is guided on the top edge 38 of the hook 11. Thelug 32 is provided with vertical slots 33, and the slide element 14comprises an inclined slot 34 which ascends in .the direction towardsthe free end of the locking hook 11. A pin or bolt 39 actuating bracket13 passes through the slots 33 and 34 of guide lug 32 and locking slide14 respectively. When the actuating bracket 13 is raised, the bolt 39will be dis placed upwardly within the slot 33 and the locking slideelement 14 which carriesf'an extension 35 extending into the clearanceof the perforation 21 when in locking position, will be moved along thetop edge 38 of the hook 11 in a direction away form the coupling plate16 because of the functional cooperation of the bolt 39 with the guideslot 34 subsequently, the locking hook 11 may be pivoted upwardly aboutits axis 37 and out of operative position. When moving into theoperative or locking position an inclined face 40 or the locking hook 11 engages the front face of the coupling plate 16. The hook 11 is liftedand the frontal edge 41 of the extension 35 of the locking slide element14 engages with as soon as the locking hook I] has dropped intooperative engagement behind the plate 16, the slide element 14 isgravitationally displaced into locking position by the weight of theactuating bracket 13.

The catch bar and locking hooks are jointly associated with either thetractor vehicle, or the working machine or trailer.

The locking slides ensure that the locking hooks do not becomedisengaged or loosened, e.g., if the joint or coupling between thecoupling plate and-the locking hooks is subjected to shocks orvibrations.

The articulated transmission shaft 23 whereby drive is transmitted tothe working machine is mounted in abearing on the coupling plate 16. Auniversal joint fork 42 is connected with a joint or coupling member 24.This member 24 projects through an opening 22 in the plate 16 and hasits shank portion 43 supported in a ball bearing 33. The outer bearingelement 45 of the ball bearing is retained in a two-part ring 46. Thering 46 is radially movably mounted in an annular groove 47 in a bearingmember 48, 49. The groove base diameter of the annular groove 47 isgreater than the external diameter of the ring 46. The bearing member isof twopart conformation comprising a first bearing element 48 having asmooth (polished) surface, and a second bearing element 49 formed withan annular recess. The two elements are secured together by screws 50onto the coupling plate 16. The two bearing elements 48, 49 are arrangedrelative to one another in such a way that the recess in the element 49provides the annular groove 47. Because of this form of bearing .for thetransmission shaft 23 the joint member 24 is capable of radial alignmentrelative to the cooperating joint member 7 associated with the drivingshaft. The joint member 7 is axially resiliently mounted on the drivingshaft. The transmission shaft 23 and the joint fork 42 are protected bymeans of a flexible pleated boot 51.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view which is comparable to thatof FIG. 5. Thedifference resides in that the catch bar 3, or rather its links 4, areof curved, i.e., bent or angled configuration in their lower portions.The pivot mount 8 of the links 4 to the fixation bars 2 is set back ascompared with the arrangement of FIG. 5. The perforated fixing bars 2are provided with guide slots 52 which open towards the bottom and arerounded off. These guide slots 52 receive a cross bar 31 which belongsto a hydraulic ram or lifting device provided on the vehi cle ortractor, which acts on the curved portions of the links 4. The guideslots 52 are located'between the pivot 8 of the links 4 and the couplingplate abutment face 36. A momentum or force is thus created which actson the catch bar 3 and at the same time a force is produced which actsaxially on the coupling plate 16, transmitted thereto by the alignmentroller 5 and the hook 20. This force may be used for drawing up theworking machine to be operatively connected and coupled with the vehicleor tractor. The length of the guide slots 52 is that the catch bar 3will be moved into a position wherein the edge of its links 4 facing-theplate 16 will be approximately flush with the plate abutment face 36 ofthe perforated fixing bars 2. The hydraulic lifting device of which thecross piece 31 is a component may be used, after the coupling operationhas been completed and the cross piece 31 has been sufficiently loweredto have moved out of the guide slots 52, for example, for lifting andlowering the attached working machine. However, it is also possible touse the bydraulic lifting device for locking the catch bar 3 ininoperative position when no working machine or trailer is attached.

The coupling device according to FIGS. 7 to 9 comprises relativelyspaced apart parallel receiving or supporting bars 53 attached, e.g., atthe rear of a tractor (not shown). The pivot axis 54 of catch bar 55 ismounted on these receiving bars 53. The catch bar 55 itself preferablyconsists of two links 55a, 55b mounted non-rotationally in mutuallyparallel, spaced apart relation on the axis 54 between the receivingbars 53. At its upper end the catch bar 55 carries an alignment roller56 which interconnects the links 550 and 55b and has asmaller diameterin the middle of the roller than at its ends. Preferably, the diameterincreases from the middle of the roller in conical or taper conformationtowards the outer ends. The axis 54 further has nonrotationally securedthereon a lever 57 which is con- The alignment roller 56 of the catcharm 55 co-acts with a coupling plate 61 which comprises a catch hook 62with a hook jaw adapted to receive the roller 56. on

the face remote from this hook 62 the plate carries a traction jaw 63whereby the coupling plate is engaged in the eye or loop of the tractionbar or hitch pole of a drawn working machine, trailer or the like (notshown). In other words, the coupling plate 61 is associated with aworking machine, trailer or the like and provided with appropriate meansfor connection thereto (in the present example with a traction jaw 63).The plate 61 has also connected thereto an alignment bar 64 whicheffects lateral alignment of the shield plate 61 when this is moved in adirection towards the receiving bars 53.

The lever 57 and the lifting device causes the working machine ortrailer to be lifted off the ground and to be approached to the couplingplate abutment faces. This is of special advantage in the case oftrailers which have little rolling resistance and tend to yield as thecatch arm or bar approaches the coupling plate. It is also veryadvantageous for machines which are heavy and can hardly be manuallyraised into the correct coupling position.

One or two substantially horizontally extending stop bolts 65 arefixedly mounted in the upper region of the plate 61 so as to projectlaterally beyond the-same and to be parallel to the surface of plate 61when it is connected. In the lower region of the shield plate 61 thereis provided a further stop bolt 66 projecting on both' sides beyond theplate 61 but mounted for sliding movement in a direction transversely ofits longitudinal I axis. The bolt 66 is guided by two brackets 67 fixedin parallel and spaced with respect to one another. The

stop bolts in the upper region of the coupling plate asbolts provideaxial coupling and take up the traction forces.

The coupling plate 61 further carries a bearing 68 or mounting, whereina power-take-off shaft stub 69 with a quick detachable joint member ismounted for the fitting thereto of an articulated drive transmissionshaft and connection with the power-take-off or driving shaft of thetractor.

The receiving bars 53 are associated with holder means 70, 70a, 71, 71a,secured laterally on the outside thereof and each having a jaw-likeopening 72 to receive the stop bolts 65 and 66. The jaw-openings 72 arelocked by the locking elements 73 associated with the holder means 70,70a, 71, 71a and thereby the coupling plate 61, which in locked positionengages along the links 55a, 55b of the catch bar 66 and the axis 54 inlateral and central alignment between the receiving bars 53, isimmobilized and securely fixed so that a connection or coupling jointhas been established between the tractor and the working machine ortrailer.

The locking elements 73 associated with the holder means 70, 71, or 70a,71a, belonging to one of the receiving bars 53 are mounted on a linkage74, 74a. The linkage 74, 74a, and thereby the locking elements 73, areactuated by hand lever 77 via a lever cam drive 73, 76. This lever 77allows, the uncoupling operation, to be started without the attendant ordriver leaving his seat. On actuation of the hand lever 77 inanticlockwise direction the lever 76 is pulled and the linkage 74, 74ais raised over a cam 75 comprising a curving portion 78. The lockingelements 73 are thus moved out of the operative range of the jaw-likeopenings 72 in the holder means 70,'70a, 71, 71a.

The linkage 74, 74a has in its lower region an extension 79 whichcooperates with a cam plate 80 fitted non-rotationally on the axis 54 ofthe catch bar 55. The cam plate 80 comprises a plurality of engagementpositions 81 whereby the catch bar 55 may be maintained incorrespondingly differently inclined positions. The region 82 of the camplate between each pair of successive engagement positions 81 is suchthat the linkage 74, 74a will maintain the locking elements 73 in openposition. Furthermore, one of the rest positions (the position shown inFIG. 9) is designed so that the locking elements 73 may drop intooperative engagement to lock the jaw-like opening 72.This constructioninsures that the locking elements 73 will remain open during themovement of the catch bar 55 from the catch position (e.g., the positionshown in dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 8) into the locking position (shownin solid lines in FIG. 8) and may drop into operative locking engagementonly when the catch bar is in the correct corresponding lockingposition.

The cam plate 81 in combination with the hand lever 77 attached to theactuating rod linkage 74, 74a the catch bar may be moved intodifferently inclined positions from the drivers seat. The differentinclinations depend on the nature of the working machine to be attached,e.g., a trailer or a machine to be suspended at top or bottom.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION The hand lever 77 is operated incounter-clockwise direction whereby the catch bar 55 drops into theposition shown in dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 8. For the catch-processthe catch arm 55 may occupy differently inclined positions correspondingto they different engagement positions 81 provided on the cam plate 80,and depending on the height of the coupling plate 61 arm 55 will slideupwardly until the roller 56 engages in the opening of the hook 62.Owing to the twinconical construction of the alignment roller 56 theplate 61 will be displaced laterally and with it the catch hook 62towards the point of smallest diameter of the roller 56. For thispurpose, that is to say for actuating the catch bar 55, it is preferredto make use of the power drive 59 of the tractor. This driving device 59pivots the catch bar 55 upwardly with the aid of the in tervening chainand lever elements 57. The working machine or trailer to be coupled tothe tractor is moved in the direction towards the receiving bars 53. Onapproaching the said receiving bars 53, the coupling plate 61 is linedup in the lateral direction with the aid of the alignment bar 64. Duringthis movement the locking elements 73 are in open position, that is tosay the jaw openings 72 of the holder means 70, 70a and 71, 71a, arefree so that the stop bolts 65 and 66 may be inserted therein. By virtueof the slidable mounting of the stop bolt 66 a three-point bearing orengagement system is achieved and all strains in the hitch are avoided.

After the stop bolt 65 on each side has been inserted into the holders71 and 71a, the stop bolt 66 will align itself correspondingly and whenthe catch bar 55 is in approximately vertical position the cam plate 80permits the linkage 74, 74a to descend. The locking elements 73 dropinto engagement to assure secure immobilization of the stop bolts 65 and66. The stop bolts 65, 66 will take up the traction forces.

Uncoupling or disconnection is performed in the reverse order ofsuccession of individual operations after the hand lever 77 has beenactuated, as described above.

FIGS. and 11 illustrate a modified design for the catch hook 83. Incontrast with the catch hook 62 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, which is of roundconformation, the catch hook shown in FIG. 10 is triangular. This configuration assures a particularly efficient engagement and guidance ofcoupling plate 84. Alignment roller 85 is of correspondingly differentdesign. It comprises a central portion 86 which is cylindrical and ofsmaller diameter, and adjacent thereto on both sides conically expandingtransition portions 87. Next to the largest diameter of these conicaltransition portions 87 there are provided further cylindrical portions88 of larger diameter whereby the roller rests on the coupling platesurface. The co-action of the conical regions 87 with the edges of thetriangular hook 83 assures a particularly effective central mutualalignment of the components.

For machines which require a so-called bottom suspension and heavytraction forces, the lower edge of the coupling plate may be providedwith an angle plate extending substantially at right angles relative tothe surface of the coupling plate and carrying a traction jaw or atraction hook. The plate is secured axially relative to the vehicle,tractor or the like in the region of such angle plate by means of alocking element which is connected with the linkage system.

If the device according to this invention is applied, particularly toheavy vehicles and machinery, such as involved, for example, in' roadconstruction, a plurality of catch bars may be appropriately mounted onthe vehide while the machine to be attached thereto would be equippedwith a corresponding number of catch hooks. The device is alsoapplicable to frontal or rearattachment operations and may also be usedfor the mutual or successive coupling of working machines or the like.

It is therefore apparent that time economy and elimination of adaptationtimes and labor, i.e., for adapting the tractor to the specific machineto be used therewith, are achieved by this invention. Auxiliary labormay be dispensed with for the coupling and uncoupling operations. In theevent where the guide bars are associated directly with the couplingplate there is the further advantage that the most favorable kinematicsmay be selected for any specific machine attached to the tractor. Afurther advantage is that there is no longer any necessity, e.g., forthe driver of the tractor, to leave his drivers cab which obstructs hisvision in the coupling operation because the catch bar, in couplingcondition, is situated fully within the range of vision of the driverand this facilitates accurate approach of the tractor to the couplingplate to be attached thereto..This is important because practicalexperience has shown that most accidents happen in particular during thedrivers ascent and descent to and from a tractor.

The facility of using the device of this invention in combination orconjunction with conventional and widely adopted attachment methodsaffords the important economic advantage to the user that he is notcompelled to change his entire stock of equipment and machinery.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modificationin order to adapt it to different usages and conditions, andaccordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within thisinvention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device for connecting an agricultural implement and the like toa tractor vehicle, the combination of a catch bar having its lower endpivotallymounted on the rear of a tractor vehicle and an alignmentroller on its upper end, a coupling plate mounted on the' implement tobe connected, an aligning hook on said coupling plate having an openingengagable with said catch bar alignment roller, and mutually engagablemeans on said tractor vehicle and coupling plate for locking saidcoupling plate with respect to said tractor vehicle after connectiontherebetween.

2. In a device as claimed in claim 1 and side plates on said catch barto guide laterally the coupling plate.

3. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are two aligninghooks on said coupling plate, said alignment roller tapering at bothends thereof to engage with said two hooks.

4. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said alignment rollertapers inwardly from both ends toward the center thereof and isengagable with said alignment hook.

5. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locking means on thetractor vehicle comprises a pair of hooks, said coupling plate having apair of apertures through which said locking hooks extend when theimplement and tractor vehicle are connected together.

6. In a device as claimed in claim 5 and a pair of locking elementsslidable on said locking hooks and positionable in the remainingclearance of said apertures after said locking hooks have been extendedtherein,

and an actuating member connected to said locking elements operable toengage and release said locking ele- 8. In a device as claimed in claim1 and a shaft on the lower end of said catch bar and pivotally mo untedon said tractor vehicle, a lever secured to said shaft, and meansinterconnecting said lever to alifting means on the tractor so' thatsaid catch bar is pivotable by the tractor lifting means.

9. In a device as claimed in claim 1 and horizontal stop bolt meansfixedly mounted on the upper portion of siad coupling plate parallelthereto and extending laterally outwardly thereof, second stop boltmeans movably mounted on the lower portion of said coupling plate, firstand second holding means on said tractor vehicle and receiving saidfirst and second stop bolt means respectively in the coupling position,and locking means for retaining said stop bolt means within therespective holding means.

10. In a device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said' catch bar comprisesa pair of spaced parallel vertical bars on the rear of the tractorvehicle, said holding means and said locking means being mounted on saidbars.

11. In a device as claimed in claim 9 and a linkage system connected tosaid locking means, and operator means on said linkage system to actuatesaid locking means. I

12. In a device as claimed in claim 11 and a shaft on the lower end ofsaid catch bar and pivotally mounted on said tractor vehicle, a camplate mounted on said catch bar shaft and having means thereondefining aplurality of engaging positions corresponding to different pivot anglesof said catch bar, said cam plate being engagable by said locking meanslinkage system so that said locking means is in the unlocked position onsaid holding means while saidcatch bar is being pivoted upwardly untilsaid coupling plate is in the locked position with respect to saidtractor.

13. In a device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said operator meanscomprises a manually operable handle.

14. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said aligning hook has atriangular shape, said catch bar roller has a cylindrical centralportion at both ends of which are conical portions extending into outercylindrical portions having a larger diameter than said central portion,the edges'of said triangular hook being centered between said conicalportions when said coupling plate is aligned with said catch bar.

15. In a device as claimed in claim 6 and a retaining bar on said catchbar, said locking hooks each having a hook portion which extends oversaid retaining bar, a lug guide on the side of each locking hook awayfrom its hook portion and having a vertical slot therein, said lockingelement slidable on said side of the locking hook and having an inclinedslot therein ascending toward the hook portion, said actuating memberhaving a pin thereon extending through said lug guide and lockingelement slots. I

16. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower end of saidcatch bar has a portion curved away from a coupling plate connectablethereto, the catch bar pivot mount being at the lower end of said curvedportion, a pair of spaced vertical supports on the rear of the tractorvehicle and said catch bar pivot mount positioned thereon, there beingguide slots opening on the bottom edges of said vertical supportsoutwardly of said pivot mount, the outer edges of the guide slots beingparallel to a coupling plate when connected to the tractor, and a crossbar operatively engagable with said slots and adapted for connection toa lifting device on the tractor.

17. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling plate hasside abutment notches, said catch pling plate to the tractor vehicle.

Disclaimer 3,847,415.-Hubert Gez'sthofi, Lohmar, Donrath, Germany.DEVICE FOR CONNECTING AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT, MA- CHINE OR THE LIKETO A TRACTOR. Patent dated Nov. 12, 1974. Disclaimer filed July 7 197 5,by the assignee, Jean Walterscheid GmbH. Hereby enters this disclaimerto claim 3 of said patent.

[Ofiicz'al Gazette September 2, 1.975.]

1. In a device for connecting an agricultural implement and the like toa tractor vehicle, the combination of a catch bar having its lower endpivotally mounted on the rear of a tractor vehicle and an alignmentroller on its upper end, a coupling plate mounted on the implement to beconnected, an aligning hook on said coupling plate having an openingengagable with said catch bar alignment roller, and mutually engagablemeans on said tractor vehicle and coupling plate for locking saidcoupling plate with respect to said tractor vehicle after connectiontherebetween.
 2. In a device as claimed in claim 1 and side plates onsaid catch bar to guide laterally the coupling plate.
 3. In a device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein there are two aligning hooks on said couplingplate, said alignment roller tapering at both ends thereof to engagewith said two hooks.
 4. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidalignment roller tapers inwardly from both ends toward the centerthereof and is engagable with said alignment hook.
 5. In a device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said locking means on the tractor vehiclecomprises a pair of hooks, said coupling plate having a pair ofapertures through which said locking hooks extend when the implement andtRactor vehicle are connected together.
 6. In a device as claimed inclaim 5 and a pair of locking elements slidable on said locking hooksand positionable in the remaining clearance of said apertures after saidlocking hooks have been extended therein, and an actuating memberconnected to said locking elements operable to engage and release saidlocking elements from said apertures.
 7. In a device as claimed in claim5 and a retaining bar on said catch bar, said locking hooks each havinga hook portion which extends over said retaining bar.
 8. In a device asclaimed in claim 1 and a shaft on the lower end of said catch bar andpivotally mounted on said tractor vehicle, a lever secured to saidshaft, and means interconnecting said lever to a lifting means on thetractor so that said catch bar is pivotable by the tractor liftingmeans.
 9. In a device as claimed in claim 1 and horizontal stop boltmeans fixedly mounted on the upper portion of siad coupling plateparallel thereto and extending laterally outwardly thereof, second stopbolt means movably mounted on the lower portion of said coupling plate,first and second holding means on said tractor vehicle and receivingsaid first and second stop bolt means respectively in the couplingposition, and locking means for retaining said stop bolt means withinthe respective holding means.
 10. In a device as claimed in claim 9wherein said catch bar comprises a pair of spaced parallel vertical barson the rear of the tractor vehicle, said holding means and said lockingmeans being mounted on said bars.
 11. In a device as claimed in claim 9and a linkage system connected to said locking means, and operator meanson said linkage system to actuate said locking means.
 12. In a device asclaimed in claim 11 and a shaft on the lower end of said catch bar andpivotally mounted on said tractor vehicle, a cam plate mounted on saidcatch bar shaft and having means thereon defining a plurality ofengaging positions corresponding to different pivot angles of said catchbar, said cam plate being engagable by said locking means linkage systemso that said locking means is in the unlocked position on said holdingmeans while said catch bar is being pivoted upwardly until said couplingplate is in the locked position with respect to said tractor.
 13. In adevice as claimed in claim 11 wherein said operator means comprises amanually operable handle.
 14. In a device as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid aligning hook has a triangular shape, said catch bar roller has acylindrical central portion at both ends of which are conical portionsextending into outer cylindrical portions having a larger diameter thansaid central portion, the edges of said triangular hook being centeredbetween said conical portions when said coupling plate is aligned withsaid catch bar.
 15. In a device as claimed in claim 6 and a retainingbar on said catch bar, said locking hooks each having a hook portionwhich extends over said retaining bar, a lug guide on the side of eachlocking hook away from its hook portion and having a vertical slottherein, said locking element slidable on said side of the locking hookand having an inclined slot therein ascending toward the hook portion,said actuating member having a pin thereon extending through said lugguide and locking element slots.
 16. In a device as claimed in claim 1wherein the lower end of said catch bar has a portion curved away from acoupling plate connectable thereto, the catch bar pivot mount being atthe lower end of said curved portion, a pair of spaced vertical supportson the rear of the tractor vehicle and said catch bar pivot mountpositioned thereon, there being guide slots opening on the bottom edgesof said vertical supports outwardly of said pivot mount, the outer edgesof the guide slots being parallel to a coupling plate when connected tothe tractor, and a cross bar operatively engagable with said slots andadapted for connection to a lifting device on the tractoR.
 17. In adevice as claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling plate has sideabutment notches, said catch bar having shoulders engagable with saidabutment notches.
 18. In a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidcoupling plate has a traction jaw thereon.
 19. In a device as claimed inclaim 11 and a plate on the lower edge of said coupling plate andextending perpendicularly thereto, traction jaw means on said plate, andmeans in the vicinity of said plate and operable by said linkage systemfor fixing axially said coupling plate to the tractor vehicle.